(Sutherland, Nebraska, September 29, 2023) – The Village of Sutherland has awarded its first economic
development grant under the new Property Improvement Program. In May of 2022, the very fiscally
conservative voters of Sutherland recognized the need to collectively invest in the growth and
sustainability of their community. They voted to place a tax upon themselves of 1 ½ percent. That
process included the creation of the Sutherland Economic Development Program and the Citizens
Advisory Review Committee to oversee the distribution of the half-percent tax that was earmarked for
economic development.
The Village Board of Trustees approved three programs developed by the volunteers on the committee
and the Program Administrator, Muriel Clark. The programs are the Business Development Loan and
Grant, the Property Improvement Program Loan and Grant and the Digital Marketing Grant.
On September 21, the Citizens Advisory Review Committee reviewed a grant application for the
Property Improvement Program from Devin and Sandi Ruff for exterior improvements to downtown
Sutherland’s Sno White. The Ruffs purchased the business earlier this year and have been spending
many hours cleaning up the property and improving its appearance. Development plans include creating
a year-round restaurant and preserving the historic telephone exchange building that is also on the
property. The CARC voted to recommend to the Village Board of Trustees funding for the exterior
improvements with a grant of $10,000.
The Sno White is a Sutherland landmark, having served up ice cream and meals in the community since
the 1950’s. The CARC recognized the importance of the business to the community and the fact that
prepared food sales are taxable and will help to replenish the balance of the economic development
fund. The committee also forwarded a favorable recommendation of a Property Improvement Program
grant application from a homeowner to replace a deteriorating sidewalk but recommended that the
Village adopt standardized guidelines for sidewalks throughout the community prior to funding the
project.
The Village Board of Trustees agreed with the recommendation and approved funding for the Sno White
at its regular monthly meeting on September 27. They also tabled approving the grant for sidewalk
repair until the Planning Commission and the Board of Trustees can clarify specifications for sidewalks.
The grants awarded under the program are for reimbursement and no monies will be paid out until the
project is completed to the satisfaction of the Village in accordance with the application. No part of the
project contained in the application can be begun prior to the applicants signing an agreement and
receiving a notification to proceed. The Ruffs plan to have the Sno White open in the spring of 2024 with
the improvements completed.
Details about the economic development programs, including guidelines and applications can be found
on the Village website, VillageofSutherland.com. The Economic Development Department will be
holding an informational Open House and Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday October 24 from 7pm to 8pm
in the Village offices for anyone interested in learning more about the programs.
